Overview

The celestial city is known as Janakpurdham (dham means sacred region), has been a famous pilgrimage site for Hindu from the time immemorial. It was the capital of king janak of Mithila in Treta Yuga ( about 12,000 years ago ). In times long ago, king Janak ruled here and this city has been named Janakpur after his name. Janakpur is one of the very popular as the birthplace of Hindu Goddess of Sita (Janaki ), as well as being the site where Sita was married to lord Rama. It is situated southeast of Kathmandu valley about 375 km. away and 70 meter from the sea level. The population is about 100,000 according to the census was held in 2011.Janakpur is the administrative headquarter of Dhanusa district of the Janakpur zone. Historically, the janakpur zone is also called Mithilanchal where ancient Maithili culture originated and also given birth to Chhath festival, one of the national festival of Nepal. Janakpur is the terai region of Nepal. It is too hot and humid with temperature of about 40 degrees in summer. So, you should better grab a sunscreen, sunglass and mosquito repellent. During the winter time, is also cold too. The main attraction of Janakpur is Janaki Mandir, Lord Hanuman ( Bajranbali ) wooden statue, Ram Mandir, Dhanus Sagar, Ganga Sagar, and Sankat Mochan Temple. The one international railway is situated at Janakpr. Two narrow-gauge lines end at Janakpur, one going east to Jayanagar, just over the Indian border, and the other northwest to Bijalpura. Both train lines are about 30 km long. Taking a train is a nice way to see the countryside. The best time to visit Janakpur is from September to March as the weather is pleasant and several festivals fall during this period.

According to the history indicate that the Mithila kingdom was controlled a laqrge part of northern India between 10th and 3rd Century BC when it came under the control of the Mauryan Empire ( 321 to 185 BC ). The two great Mauryan Emperors Chandragupta and Ashoka, favored the religions of Jainism and Buddhism, and both the great saints Gautam Buddha, founder of the Buddhism, and Vardamana Mahavira, the 24th and final Tirthankara ( an enlightened sage ) of the Jain religion, are said to have lived in Mithila ( Janakpur ). Following the decline of the Mauryan Empire, Janakpur Languished as a religious site for two millennia until the 17th Centure. In 1657, the great saint and poet Sannyasi Shurkishordas discovered a golden statue of the goddess Sita at the exact place where she was born, which ultimately became the location of the current Janaki Mandir, the temple of Sita. Shurkishordas is considered to be the founder of modern Janakpur.

Queen Brisabhanu Kunwari of Tikamgarh built the Janaki mandir in 1911. The temple is architecturally unique in Nepal. Its inner sanctum contains a flower-bedecked statue of Sita that was apparently miraculously found in the Saryu river near Ayodhya. Statue of Rama and his half-brothers Lakshman, Bharat and Satrughan stand by Sita. Early evenings are the best time to visit. For then the the temple is lit with colorful lights and filled with hundreds of pilgrims expressing devotion for Sita and Rama. The temple is particularly popular with women, who wear their best clothes when visiting the shrine. Adjacent to the Janaki Mandir is the Rama Sita Bibaha Mandir, a building that marks the place where Rama and Sita were married. Thousands of pilgrims visit in Janakpur to pay homage to Sita at the time of Bibaha Panchami ( the marriage day of Sita and Rama ) which falls on the 5th day of shukla paksha ( waxing phase of moon in Nov/Dec ) and on Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama ( the nine day of the hindu month of Chaitra which begins with the new moon in March/ April ).

According to the Hindu epic called Ramayana, Janak was founded a baby Sita in a furrow of a field in visit to Siraha and raised her as his daughter. When Sita was about 16 years then the king announced that she could be married by whoever was able to string the divine bow of Shiva who is one of the trinity in Hinduism ( the destroyer ). Though many royal suiters tried but could not get Shiva then it broke into three pieces- one piece flies up to heaven, another falls down into the depths of the underworld where we can see huge pond called Dhanush Sagar now a days, and last piece flies to present day Dhanushadham, about 40 km from Janakpur. There visitors will see huge rocks shaped liked a bow. Thus, after Ram`s successful attempt to string the bow, Janaki`s father, king Janak gave his daughter`s hand in marriage to the brave prince of Ayodhya.

Details Itinerary

Day 01: Upon arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuwan international airport, Nepal.
I will be on standby air-condition vehicle and displaying your named template at the airport on that day to pick you up and transfer to your hotel then within one hour later, will go to orientation walk to get familiar with your surrounding or sightseeing in Kathamndu valley if possible otherwise, will be rest in your hotel.
Day 02: Full day sightseeing in the following historical monumental areas in the Kathmandu valley By private vehicle:

Boudanath stupa: It is one of the largest Stupa in Nepal and is considered the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of the Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The Stupa is located 7 km eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. This Stupa stands over Three- tiered platform raised over the crossed rectangles in order to bring out the yantra form. It consists of a dome at the base, above which is a cubical structure painted with eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions in this whole Universe. The claim made in various religious and literary texts regarding the erection of the stupa is varied and conflicting. However, the stupa is believed to have been built between 5th to 7th century during the region of the lichhavi King. Boudhanath is also the UNISCO World Heritage Site in 1979 AD.

Swayambhunath Temple: ( Monkey Temple )
Swayambhu-nath is an ancient religious complex, located on top of the hill west of Kathmandu city. From where we can see the whole views of Kathmandu valley. It is also UNISCO site, known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple. Swayambhu-nath occupies a central position because it is probably the most sacred pilgrimage site especially for Buddhists and Hindu as well. It is consists of a Stupa, a variety of shrines and temples. Some dating back to the Lichhavi period. Although the site is considered Buddhist especially. Numerous King Hindu followers used to have paid their homage to Stupa, including King named Pratap Malla who is considered to be one of the powerful King of Kathmandu.

Hanumandhoka Durbar Square:
Most of the cultural centers of Nepal are concentrated around the Kathmandu valley; among those cultural sites, the important one is the Hanuman-dhoka Durbar Square or Kathmandu Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square, is located at the heart of ancient city Kathmandu. It is the place in front of the Old Royal Palace of the Kathmandu Kingdom and is one of the three durbar ( Royal Palace ) square in the Kathmandu valley in Nepal. All of which are UNISCO World Heritage Sites. Hanuman-dhoka ( monkey door), with several complexes spread over an area of about 5 acres, is the social, religious, cultural, historical and urban focal point of the city. The square is the complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that were built between the 12th to 19th centuries by the ancient Malla King of Nepal. The durbar is divided in to two courtyards, the outer comprising Kasthamandap, Kumari- Ghar ( Living Goddess ), Durga temple, Maju dega, Erotic temple, God of alcohol, God of law & justice etc. and the inner consisting of Hanuman-dhoka and the main palaces of the courtyards. Now it is also palace museums. Important ceremonies including the coronation of the Nepali monarch used to hold in the Hanuman-dhoka.

Pashupati-nath Temple:
Pashupatinath is located on the bank of Bagamati River where we can see the crematory, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the God of Gods. Pashupati literally means “ Lord of beasts” and is considered to be the patron deity of Nepal. It is regarded as one of the holiest sites for Hindu all over the world and Buddhist as well. It has set a shining example of religious harmony. Pashupanath temple is a pagoda architecture two-tiered golden roof with exquisitely carved four silver doors containing in its sanctum a phallic idol with four faces facing each direction and the fifth one is looking up towards the zenith. According to an ancient chronicle order, it was constructed at the present site by Lichhavi King Supuspa Verma. However there is no dated record showing when the temple of Lord Pashupatinath was first built but it is assumed that it was initially a simple structure of stone of stone proportion which must have been rebuilt a number of times in the course of its development. Vedic performances and Tantric rituals are associated with the worship of Pashupatinath. He is regarded as the supreme self who delivers humans from worldly affliction.

Day 03: Full day sightseeing in the following historical monumental areas in the Kathmandu valley By private vehicle:
Changunarayan Temple:
Located on a magnificent hill top commanding a fantastic view of Kathmandu valley, the Changunarayan, is dedicated to lord Vishnu. It is 6 km north of Bhaktapur. The temple is full of magnificent art works in metal, wood, and stone. In fact it is one of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture. The first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple premises during the region of the Lichhavi King Mandeva dating back to 464 AD shows that Changu had already been established as a sacred location in the 3rd century AD. The present structure was probably constructed in the 17th century, though older elements have been incorporated during the restorations. The pagoda style temple has several masterpieces of 5th and 12th century Nepalese art.

Bhaktapur durbar square:
Bhaktapur also known as Bhadgaon means city of devotees. It is a very unique old town of Nepal compare to Kathmandu and Patan. Historically, the city was built in the 9th century (889 AD) during the reign of King Ananda Dev Malla. However, it might be older than that. The city was originally built in the shape of a sacred conch shell which is associated with lord Vishnu, the protecter god in Hinduism.
This city divided into 24 traditional locality covers an area of 7 square kilometers and lying at 15 km. east of Kathmandu. Before the unification of Nepal, Bhaktapur was an independent principality ruled by the Malla King, who were very much devoted to religion, culture, and art. During that period many magnificent temples and mansions were built. This period is remembered as golden period in the Nepalese art and remains a unique example. There are also many monuments including pagodas, palaces, shikhara style monuments, courtyards and Buddists shrines and monasteries. The present structures were erected from the 12th to 18th century AD. The important things to be seen in this area include the lion gate, golden gate, stone column, 55 windows palace, vastala temple, nyatapol, Bhairavnath temple, Dattatraya temple, pottery square etc.

Patan durbar square:
Patan also known as lalitpur means the city of arts. It is located on lovely little plateau across the Bagmati river only 6 km. southeast of Kathmandu city. This city founded in 3rd century AD by King Veer dev has a finest Newar carfts since time immemorial and is considered oldest of all three cities of Kathmandu valley. It has hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments scattered in and around. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the medieval Malla period from 15th to 18th century as the golden period of Nepalese art and architecture. The important things to be seen in this areas included the golden gate and golden window of the old palace, the beautiful piece of traditional metal crafts, the famed Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles, the royal bath of Sundari chock, a perfect piece of the classic work in stone, royal Taleju temple, Vishwanath temple, and the charnarayan temple are the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood; the temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the squre outside and many other shrines and sculptures scattered in and around the square like golden temple, Kumbheshwor, mahaboudha etc.

Day 04: Depart from Kathmandu to Janakpur: ( about 10 hrs. drive )
After breakfast, we will drive to Janakpur. On the zigzag way of mountain areas, we will pass through beautiful landscape, paddy farm, river, tiny villages, small town, mountain views etc. Janakpur is located about 375 km Southeast of Kathmandu. It is one of the most important city for culturally and religiously to the Hindu all over the World because Sita ( janaki ) was born in Janakpur and married to Lord Rama who was 7 incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the God of protection in Hinduism. we will be taken to the rest for pee-pee/ tea/coffee when you want then we will proceed our destination. After 4 hours drive on the way to Janakpur, we will have a lunch then we continue our destination. Overnight at normal hotel or teahouse lodge.

Day 05: Sightseeing in the following religious and cultural areas in Janakpur by our vehicle. Overnight at the hotel.
Janaki Mandir (temple):
The Janaki temple is located in the center of the city of Janakpur. It is dedicated to goddess Sita ( janaki ). It is the primary temple of native Nepali Maithili indigenous of Nepal. The architecture of this temple is called indo-islamic i:e mixture of Islamic and Rajput domes. It was constructed in an area of 4,860 sq feet. The temple is 50 meters high. It is a 3 storied structure made entirely of stone and marble. All its 60 rooms are decorated with flag of Nepal. This temple is popularly known as Nau Lakha Mandir (nine hundred thousands) because the cost for the construction of this temple was Rupees Nine Lakha. In 1657, a golden statue of the Sita was found at the very sport, and Sita is said to have lived there. The legend had it that it was built on the holy site where Sannysi ‘Shurkishordas’ had found the images of goddess Sita. In fact, he was the founder of morden Janakpur. Shurkishordas who preached about the Sita Upasana philosophy.

Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar:
These are the two sacred pond, situated near the Ram Mandir. People are here perform religious ablutions during the early morning hours. However, during the festivals, these ponds become extremely important in the sence that religious ceremonies conducted here but you can also find numerous cisterns all along the place. This also has religious connotation. In fact, these were built by King Janak who anticipated the arrival of Gods after the holy marriage of Rama and Sita.

Rama Sita Bibaha Mandir:
This temple is situated next to the Janaki Mandir, and also one of the importatt place of tourist interest in Janakpur. This is actually a pagoda style built in the traditional Nepalese form. It is interesting to see the life size statues of Rama and Sita, the presiding deities of the pagoda. Apart ffrom these, you will also find the statues of the brother of Rama. It was built to commemorate the wedding of Rama and Sita. Throughout the festival there are dramas in theaters and in open streets remaking the marriage ceremony of Rama and Sita.

Dhanusha Dham:
Dhanusha Dham is located about 40 km away from Janakpur. We will see huge rocks shaped like a bow there. Rama was successful attempt to sting the bow then Janaki`s father, the King Janak gives his daughter`s hand in marriage to the brave prince of Ayodhya.

Rama Nawami:
This festival forms an important aspect of your tours to Janakpur. It commemorates the holy birthday of Lord Rama. It is an annual event and occurs during the period of late March and early April. Huge processions throughout the city of are common phenomena at this time of the year. Witnessing Rama Nawami is one of the major components of tours to Janakpur.

Day 06: After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu and go to Nagarkot for overnight at the hotel.
Nagarkot is perhaps the best place to view Sunrise and the Himalaya from the comfort of your hotel balcony. Just 35 km from Kathmandu, the village is packed with hotels, stacked up on a ridge facing one of the broadest possible views of the Himalaya. Between October and March a trip to Nagarkot will nearly always be rewarded with a view, but be warned the mountains are notorious for disappearing behind coldly skies on any given day or hour. It can get very cold at Nagarkot, so bring warm clothing

Day 07: Sunrise views and panoramic snow peaks of Himalaya from Nagarkot:
Early in the morning, we should wake up to see Sunrise views and shedding golden light on the Himalaya. After breakfast, I will transfer to the airport for your onward destination.
After this cultural and historical tour if you would interest for further activities like Rafting tour, Hiking tour, Trekking, National park tour etc. I organize the trip according to your desire. If you decided to leave Nepal, I transfer to Airport for your onward destination.

Price Cover

Cost includes:

. Pick-up and drop from International Tribhuvan Airport. Transfer to your hotel.